Native American Jewelry Value & Price Guide

Native American jewelry is a celebrated art form that blends traditional tribal craftsmanship with stunning natural materials like turquoise, coral, and sterling silver. These collectibles represent a rich cultural heritage, ranging from intricate Navajo silverwork to delicate Zuni needlepoint and Hopi overlay designs.

Price Range: $150 - $220 based on recent sales

History of Native American Jewelry

The history of Native American jewelry evolved significantly in the mid-19th century when Navajo blacksmiths learned silversmithing from Mexican plateros. This skill quickly spread to the Zuni and Hopi tribes, leading to the development of iconic styles such as the squash blossom necklace and the sandcast buckle. By the mid-20th century, the 'Fred Harvey era' of tourism brought these crafts to a national audience, transitioning the pieces from tribal regalia to highly sought-after commercial art. Today, vintage pieces from the 1940s through the 1970s are particularly prized for their heavy gauge silver and high-quality natural stones.

Value Factors for Native American Jewelry

The typical price range for Native American Jewelry is $150 - $220 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The rarity and mine source of the turquoise or shell used in the inlay.
• The reputation and prominence of the specific artist or silversmith.
• The age and provenance of the piece, with 'Old Pawn' items often carrying a premium.
• The complexity of the technique, such as intricate channel inlay or multi-stone petit point work.

Tips for Buying Native American Jewelry

• Verify the hallmark or artist signature to confirm authenticity and research the specific tribal style associated with the piece.
• Inspect the turquoise for signs of stabilization or dyeing, as natural, high-grade stones from closed mines like Bisbee or Morenci command higher prices.
• Check for 'Sterling' or '.925' stamps, but be aware that many authentic early 20th-century pieces were not marked.
• Examine the construction of bezels and saw work; hand-cut serrated bezels are often a sign of traditional artisan quality.

Items in This Collection

• Native American Grizzly Bear Claw Necklace
• Native American Arrowhead Pendant
• Native American Turquoise and Coral Ring
• Native American Turquoise Watch
• Native American Headdress Ring
• Native American Turquoise and Silver Bracelet
• Native American Sterling Silver Watch Bands
• Native American Turquoise Inlay Ring
• Native American Sterling Silver Watch Band
• Native American Inlay Pendant
• Native American Sterling Silver Turquoise Pendant
• Native American Turquoise Nugget Necklace
• Native American Turquoise and Silver Pendant Necklace
• Concho Belt Value & Price Guide
• Native American Turquoise Ring
• Native American Beaded Necklace
• Native American Beaded Necklaces
• White Buffalo Turquoise Ring
• Native American Concho Belt
• Native American Bear Claw Necklace